Mark Jackson likes Warriors’ chances after they gritted their teeth in Game 6 win

OAKLAND — It’s been 37 years since the last time the Warriors played in a Game 7. Only once in franchise history have the Warriors won a Game 7 on the road back when they played in Philadelphia.

All these years later, Warriors coach Mark Jackson likes his chances.

“I’m excited to see this young basketball team experience a Game 7 on the road,” Jackson said.

“I don’t have to tell my guys anything in Game 7. They knew exactly what we’ve got to do.”

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Game 7 at Staples Center will either be the Warriors’ last stand or a win that dramatically changes the tone of their season under Jackson.

Either way, there is no denying that this team fights. After seeing Jermaine O’Neal helped off the court, the Warriors battled. After going down another man when David Lee fouled out, they gritted their teeth.

Marreese Speights, who at one point in the season had a stretch of DNPs, never lost his confidence in part because Jackson eventually found his way back to inserting him in the rotation. And Thursday, Speights in an elimination game provided key minutes.

In a series when the attention has been placed squarely on the Clippers due to crazy circumstances, it’s the Warriors who with no Andrew Bogut and little expectation of moving onto the next round are one game away from getting it done.